Courts / Cork / Report
Cork men plead guilty over firearms haul after garda operation against "New IRA"
Summary
Joseph Walsh and Michael Gilmartin, who pleaded guilty to firearms offences linked to a garda investigation into the "New IRA," had their sentencing adjourned until February 5. The co-accused admitted to possessing a 9mm parabellum pistol, a magazine, a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun, and ammunition at Chestnut Drive, Cobh, on September 14 last year. They also admitted to an assault at Cork Circuit Court. At the sentence hearing, the court heard that Walsh initially took a "no comment attitude" but later stated he had a "fair idea" the bag contained something illegal. Walsh has previous convictions, including assault causing harm in 2013 and a suspended sentence in 2010. Gilmartin, who also initially remained silent, later told gardai he feared for his life. He has only previous Road Traffic Act convictions. Defence counsel for Walsh highlighted his guilty plea and a reference from a former employer. Counsel for Gilmartin argued he was of outstanding good character, suffered from health issues, and was not a "prime mover" in the offences. Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, stated they had a "fair bit to think about" and adjourned the matter. The case was not concluded or finalised at this stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork men plead guilty over firearms haul after garda operation against "New IRA". Charges or matters: possession of firearms including a magazine suitable for a 9mm parabellum pistol, a 9mm parabellum pistol and a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun at Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, County Cork on September 14th last year; an assault at Cork Circuit Court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 14th Incident
- April 2016 Incident
- December 14 Incident
- February 5 Adjournment
- 2018-01-11 Publication
Why: He said he had been "put upon" because he had knowledge of firearms. CNI source report
Case subjects
Co Accused
Charges: possession of firearms including a magazine suitable for a 9mm parabellum pistol, a 9mm parabellum pistol and a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun at Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, County Cork on September 14th last year; an assault at Cork Circuit Court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: During interviews Mr Walsh initially took a "no comment attitude" but when gardai asked if he thought the bag contained something illegal he replied: "I had a fair idea." Mr Walsh has a previous conviction for assault causing harm in 2013 and was given a two-year suspended sentence in 2010 for striking a 21-year-old man, knocking him unconscious.; Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, said they have a "fair bit to think about" and adjourned sentencing until February 5.
Defendant
Charges: possession of firearms including a magazine suitable for a 9mm parabellum pistol, a 9mm parabellum pistol and a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun at Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, County Cork on September 14th last year; an assault at Cork Circuit Court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, said they have a "fair bit to think about" and adjourned sentencing until February 5.
Convicted Person
Charges: possession of firearms including a magazine suitable for a 9mm parabellum pistol, a 9mm parabellum pistol and a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun at Chestnut Drive, Cluain Ard, Newtown, Cobh, County Cork on September 14th last year; an assault at Cork Circuit Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: New IRA" will be sentenced at the non-jury Special Criminal Court next month.; Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Patricia Ryan and Judge Ann Ryan, said they have a "fair bit to think about" and adjourned sentencing until February 5.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
- Cork
- Cork Circuit Court
- Glengarriff
- Glengarriff Road
- Cork
- Chestnut Drive
- Newtown
- Cobh
- Chestnut Drive
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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